'Mummy' is a term I have grown very accustomed to. Three demanding children seem to start almost a continuous stream of overlapping sentences with it, and now I have noticed that when men who do not know me by name and want to get my attention, also refer to me as 'Mummy'. I have never taken offence to this name - after all, who does not love a 'Mummy' - until I read Mr. Mel Cooke's column.

Mr. Cooke's column suggests that the term 'Mummy' is used by younger men in reference to older women, and thus cast me rather unceremoniously into the realm of 'older woman', something I had not yet tackled at the mere age of 35. However, Mr. Cooke might still have been spared the wrath of this woman had he not included this quote in his column, "Except for the very few, striking physical female beauty has a very short shelf life, say 18 to 27 or 28. After that is a nebulous period up of either dignified acceptance or gross attempts at staving off time to about 35 and then, 'Mums'." So, by Mr. Cooke's estimation, based on my shelf life, I am now well past my use by date. Just call me 'Mums'.

Inner strength of 'mummies'

I would like to introduce a number of other preferred terms, like 'yummy mummy', 'sexy mama' and 'MAMAcita!'. There are other options to this washed up 'Mums'. In fact, I read this quote to a group of women who were well within this range of expired shelf life, and they burst into a chorus of 'whoa!'. Confident in their figure-hugging exercise gears and casual elegance, they light-heartedly laughed at the concept of being a 'has been'.

Recently, a friend of mine and I commented on the fact that being attractive at this stage in our lives is much more fulfilling, because quite simply, it clearly is not just about 'tits and ass'; they must be seeing something more, inner strength, confidence, character? Mr. Cooke suggests that the attraction to 'Mummies' "reflects a deep desire to be cosseted and cosied, including a return to breasts that are more pillows than arrowheads."

Buxom is not a term readily associated with me, so the image of Oedipus nestling his head in my ample breast is a stretch, so according to Mr. Cooke, there is little hope for the over 35, under C cup women. Sounds like a good idea for a support group. I can see the motivational talks, 'How to survive life after 35!' and 'Silicone can help you too'.

More confidence

What is more striking than a dramatic reduction in physical beauty in women over 35 is the dramatic increase in self-esteem. I have heard it said that life begins at 40. Jamaican women seem to gain confidence in this age period. They are no longer motivated solely by winning a man and keeping him happy. Their self-esteem has flourished more than likely alongside their career. They are mothers and their children's love shines quietly on their faces. They have learnt the power of true friendship and loyalty and wear it like armour. They have endured blows and come through them with wisdom, and they work their butts of at gyms all over town!

Mr. Cooke clearly needs to meet the Mummies I know, and like any confident man, I'm certain he will share the view that these beautiful women are only taken off the shelf after 35 because they are in hot demand!